US8469128B2 - Variable-bias shutter - Google Patents
Variable-bias shutter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US8469128B2 US8469128B2 US13/158,929 US201113158929A US8469128B2 US 8469128 B2 US8469128 B2 US 8469128B2 US 201113158929 A US201113158929 A US 201113158929A US 8469128 B2 US8469128 B2 US 8469128B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shutter system
- airstream
- louver
- bias
- area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related, expires
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
- B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
- B60K11/085—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor with adjustable shutters or blinds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
- B60R19/52—Radiator or grille guards ; Radiator grilles
- B60R2019/525—Radiator grilles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to a variable-bias shutter of the type including pivoting louvers for controlling and directing an airstream.
- a shutter is typically a solid and stable covering for an opening.
- a shutter frequently consists of a frame and louvers or slats mounted within the frame.
- Louvers may be fixed, i.e., having a permanently set angle with respect to the frame. Louvers may also be operable, i.e., having an angle that is adjustable with respect to the frame for permitting a desired amount of light, air, and/or liquid to pass from one side of the shutter to the other.
- shutters can be mounted to fit within, or to overlap the opening. In addition to various functional purposes, particularly in architecture, shutters may also be employed for largely ornamental reasons.
- a variable-bias shutter system for controlling and directing an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers.
- Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face configured to be variably exposed to the airstream.
- Each face includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis.
- the shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating in tandem, i.e., largely in unison, each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis.
- An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed.
- the airstream may be used to bias or urge the shutter system to maintain the fully closed position when the smaller area of the first portion is exposed to the airstream.
- the airstream may also be used to bias the shutter system toward the fully opened position when the larger area of the first portion is exposed to the airstream.
- each louver may be configured to screen or shield from the airstream at least a segment of the first portion of an adjacent louver when the shutter system is fully closed.
- the shutter system may include a feature configured to screen from the airstream at least a segment of the first portion of an end louver that is not screened by an adjacent louver when the shutter system is fully closed.
- the shutter system may further include a controller configured to regulate the mechanism.
- the entryway may be a grille opening in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine.
- the controller may be configured to regulate the mechanism according to a load on the engine.
- the engine may be cooled by a fluid circulated through a heat exchanger, and the vehicle may include a sensor to sense a temperature of the fluid and configured to communicate the temperature to the controller.
- the controller may be configured to regulate the mechanism to cool the fluid circulated through the radiator according to the sensed temperature of the fluid.
- FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a vehicle having a variable-bias shutter system depicted in a fully closed state;
- FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a vehicle having the shutter system shown in FIG. 1 , with the shutter system depicted in an intermediate state;
- FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a vehicle having the shutter system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , with the shutter system depicted in a fully opened state.
- FIGS. 1-3 show a partial side view of a vehicle 10 .
- the vehicle 10 is shown to include a grille opening 12 typically covered with a mesh.
- the grille opening 12 is adapted for receiving ambient air.
- the vehicle 10 additionally includes a powertrain that is specifically represented by an internal combustion engine 14 .
- the powertrain of the vehicle 10 may additionally include a transmission, and, if the vehicle is a hybrid type, one or more motor-generators, none of which is shown, but the existence of which can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- Efficiency of a vehicle powertrain is generally influenced by its design, as well as by the various loads seen by the powertrain during its operation. Such loads typically drive up temperatures of the powertrain and necessitate appropriate cooling to sustain reliable performance thereof.
- the vehicle 10 additionally includes an air-to-fluid heat exchanger 16 , i.e., a radiator, for circulating a cooling fluid shown by arrows 18 and 20 , such as water or a specially formulated coolant, through the engine 14 to remove heat from the engine.
- a cooling fluid shown by arrows 18 and 20 , such as water or a specially formulated coolant
- a high-temperature coolant entering the heat exchanger 16 is represented by the arrow 18
- a reduced-temperature coolant being returned to the engine is represented by an arrow 20 .
- the heat exchanger 16 is positioned behind the grille opening 12 for protection of the heat exchanger from various road- and air-borne debris.
- the heat exchanger 16 may also be positioned in any other location, such as behind a passenger compartment, if, for example, the vehicle has a rear or a mid-engine configuration, as understood by those skilled in the art.
- a fan 22 is positioned in the vehicle 10 , behind the heat exchanger 16 , such that the heat exchanger 16 is positioned between the grill opening 12 and the fan.
- the fan 22 is capable of being selectively turned on and off based on the cooling needs of the engine 14 .
- fan 22 either generates or enhances a flow of air or airstream 24 through the grille opening 12 , and toward and through the heat exchanger 16 .
- the airstream 24 is passed through the heat exchanger 16 to remove heat from the high-temperature coolant 18 before the reduced-temperature coolant 20 is returned to the engine 14 .
- the fan 22 may be driven either electrically, or mechanically, directly by the engine 14 .
- the vehicle 10 additionally includes a coolant sensor 26 configured to sense a temperature of the high-temperature coolant 18 as it exits the engine 14 .
- FIGS. 1-3 also depict a variable-bias shutter system 30 .
- the shutter system 30 is secured in vehicle 10 and is adapted to control airstream 24 through the grille opening 12 .
- the shutter system 30 is positioned behind, and immediately adjacent to the grille opening 12 at the front of the vehicle 10 . As shown, shutter 30 is positioned between the grille opening 12 and the heat exchanger 16 .
- the shutter system 30 may also be incorporated into and be integral with the grille opening 12 .
- the shutter system 30 includes a plurality of rotatable or adjustable louvers, herein shown as having three individual louvers, a middle louver 34 and two end louvers 32 , 36 , but the number of louvers may either be fewer or greater.
- Each louver 32 , 34 , and 36 is configured to rotate about a respective pivot axis 38 , 40 , and 42 during operation of the shutter system 30 , thereby effectively controlling the size of the grille opening 12 .
- the shutter system 30 is adapted to operate between and inclusive of a fully closed position or state (as shown in FIG. 1 ), through an intermediate or partially opened position (as shown in FIG. 2 ), and to a fully opened position (as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- airstream 24 penetrates the plane of the shutter system 30 before coming into contact with the heat exchanger 16 .
- Each louver 32 , 34 , and 36 includes a respective louver face that is configured to be variably exposed to the airstream 24 during the rotation of the louvers.
- the face of each louver 32 , 34 , and 36 includes a respective first portion 50 , 52 , and 54 arranged to one side and a respective second portion 56 , 58 , and 60 arranged to the other side of its respective pivot axis 38 , 40 , and 42 .
- the second portions 56 and 58 are configured to screen or shield from the airstream 24 segments 62 and 64 of the respective adjacent first portions 50 and 52 when the shutter system 30 is substantially closed.
- the shutter system 30 also includes a feature 68 configured to screen a segment 66 of the first portion 54 of the end louver 36 from the airstream 24 when the shutter system 30 is substantially closed. Therefore, the area of each first portion 50 , 52 , and 54 that is exposed to the airstream 24 is altered in response to the actual position of each louver 32 , 34 , and 36 . On the other hand, the area of each second portion 56 , 58 , and 60 that is exposed to the airstream remains relatively constant regardless of position of the respective louver 32 , 34 , and 36 .
- the area of each first portion 50 , 52 , and 54 that is exposed to the airstream 24 is smaller than the area of each respective second portion 56 , 58 , and 60 .
- the second portions 56 , 58 , and the feature 68 do not screen the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 when the shutter system 30 is not closed, the area of each first portion 50 , 52 , and 54 that is exposed to the airstream 24 is larger than the respective second portion 56 , 58 , and 60 .
- the airstream 24 travels at a certain velocity with respect to the vehicle and generates positive air pressure at the grille opening 12 .
- the force of the airstream 24 is used to bias or urge the shutter system 30 to urge and maintain its fully closed position when smaller areas of the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 than of the second portions 56 , 58 , and 60 are exposed to the airstream.
- the force of the airstream 24 is used to bias or urge the shutter system 30 toward the fully opened position when larger areas of the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 than of the second portions 56 , 58 , and 60 are exposed to the airstream.
- the term “variably exposed” denotes the fact that the overall area of each louver face that is exposed to the airstream 24 is varied or altered as a result of the position of the shutter system 30 .
- the shutter system 30 is configured to be variably and selectively biased to either the fully opened or the fully closed position.
- the ratio of the areas of the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 to the respective second portions 56 , 58 , and 60 projected relative to the direction of the airstream remains substantially constant. Accordingly, the bias of the shutter system is specifically dependent on the areas of the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 that become exposed to the airstream 24 .
- Such purposeful biasing of the louvers 32 , 34 , and 36 serves to counteract variations in velocity of the airstream 24 and prevent tendency of the louvers to flutter. Additionally, the overall area of each first portion 50 , 52 , and 54 , as well as the area of the corresponding segments 62 , 64 , and 66 may be selected in proportion to the area of each respective second portion 56 , 58 , and 60 in order to further minimize flutter of the louvers. Appropriate material as well as the thickness for the louvers 32 , 34 , and 36 may also be selected in order to enhance louver stiffness and further minimize flutter. The determination and selection of the appropriate areas and thicknesses for all the discrete portions, as well as the material for the louvers 32 , 34 , and 36 may be accomplished with the aid of calculations and finalized empirically during testing and development of the shutter system 30 .
- the shutter system 30 also includes a mechanism 70 configured to select and lock a desired position for the shutter system between and inclusive of the fully opened and fully closed.
- the mechanism 70 is configured to cause the louvers 32 - 36 to rotate in tandem, i.e., substantially in unison, about their respective pivot axes 38 , 40 , and 42 to any of the available positions.
- the mechanism 70 may be configured to infinitely vary the position of the louvers 32 - 36 between and inclusive of the fully opened and fully closed, and to select and lock any discrete position of the louvers.
- the mechanism 70 acts to select the desired position for the shutter system 30 when activated by any external means, as understood by those skilled in the art, such as an electric motor (not shown).
- the vehicle 10 also includes a controller 72 , which may be an engine controller or a separate control unit, configured to regulate the mechanism 70 for selecting the desired position of the shutter system 30 .
- the controller 72 may also be configured to operate the fan 22 , if the fan is electrically driven, and a thermostat (not shown) that is configured to regulate the circulation of coolant, as understood by those skilled in the art.
- the controller 72 is programmed to regulate the mechanism 70 according to the load on the engine 14 and, correspondingly, to the temperature of the coolant sensed by the sensor 26 .
- the temperature of the high-temperature coolant 18 is increased due to the heat produced by the engine 14 under load.
- an increased load on the engine 14 typically results from specific operating conditions imposed on the vehicle 10 , such as going up a hill and/or pulling a trailer.
- Such increased load on the engine 14 generally drives up internal temperature of the engine, which in turn necessitates increased cooling of the engine for desired performance and reliability.
- the coolant Prior to exiting the engine 14 , the coolant is routed inside the engine in order to most effectively remove heat from critical engine components, such as bearings (not shown, but known by those skilled in the art). Typically, the coolant is continuously circulated by a fluid pump (not shown) between engine 14 and heat exchanger 16 .
- the fully closed position of the louvers 32 - 36 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) is selected by the controller 72 according to a programmed algorithm when powertrain cooling does not necessitate the airstream 24 to pass through the grille opening 12 .
- the fully closed position of the shutter system 30 is selected by the controller 72 , the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 are covered by second portions 58 , 60 , and the feature 68 , respectively, thereby biasing the shutter system to maintain the fully closed position. Accordingly, in the fully closed position, the variable-bias shutter system 30 ensures complete blockage of the airflow 24 .
- the partially opened position of the louvers 32 - 36 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) is selected by the controller 72 according to a programmed algorithm when an intermediate level of powertrain cooling is demanded.
- the partially opened position of the shutter system 30 is selected by the controller 72 , the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 are uncovered, thereby biasing the shutter system toward the fully opened position. Accordingly, in the partially opened position, the variable-bias shutter system 30 ensures stable arrangement of the louvers 32 - 36 while partially restricting passage of the airflow 24 through the grille opening 12 .
- the fully opened position of the louvers 32 - 36 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) is selected by the controller 72 according to a programmed algorithm when maximum powertrain cooling is required and an unrestricted amount of the airstream 24 must be passed through the grille opening 12 .
- the fully opened position of the shutter system 30 is selected by the controller 72 , the first portions 50 , 52 , and 54 are again uncovered, thereby biasing the shutter system to remain in the fully opened position. Accordingly, in the fully opened position, the variable-bias shutter system 30 ensures unrestricted passage of the airflow 24 through the grille opening 12 .
- variable exposure of the louvers 32 , 34 , and 36 to the airstream 24 provides distinct biasing of the shutter system 30 .
- variable biasing of the shutter system 30 counteracts the tendency of the louvers 32 , 34 , and 36 to flutter and deviate from their intended position due to the variations in velocity of the airstream 24 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/158,929 US8469128B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-06-13 | Variable-bias shutter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/158,929 US8469128B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-06-13 | Variable-bias shutter |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120312611A1 US20120312611A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
US8469128B2 true US8469128B2 (en) | 2013-06-25 |
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US13/158,929 Expired - Fee Related US8469128B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-06-13 | Variable-bias shutter |
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Cited By (12)
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US20130075172A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-03-28 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Grille shutter device |
US20130081888A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Reconfigurable baseline opening for under-hood airflow |
US20130092462A1 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2013-04-18 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Variable actuation rate shutter louvers |
US20160016617A1 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2016-01-21 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Front of a motor vehicle |
US9475433B1 (en) * | 2014-07-08 | 2016-10-25 | Joseph Mallory, III | Automated, interchangeable vehicle grill |
US20180264930A1 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2018-09-20 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Air intake grille assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof |
US10160310B2 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-12-25 | Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG | Air flap device having a plurality of air flaps with air flap movement ending sequentially |
US10166859B1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-01 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Active underbody arrangement for a vehicle |
US10322664B2 (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-06-18 | Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG | Air flap apparatus having integrated light guides for a motor vehicle |
US10647194B1 (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2020-05-12 | Denso International America, Inc. | Multi-function grill shutter and airflow guide |
US10857872B2 (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2020-12-08 | Volvo Car Corporation | Vehicle front structure |
US11512623B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2022-11-29 | Kohler Co. | Apparatus for controlling cooling airflow to an intenral combustion engine, and engines and methods utilizing the same |
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FR2950574B1 (en) * | 2009-09-29 | 2012-03-23 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | THERMAL EXCHANGE BLOCK FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
WO2012012535A2 (en) * | 2010-07-21 | 2012-01-26 | Shape Corp. | Integrated energy absorber and air flow management structure |
US8561738B2 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2013-10-22 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Compound shutter system with independent and non-sequential operation |
US8544581B2 (en) * | 2011-04-04 | 2013-10-01 | Srg Global, Inc. | Drive system for multiple movable systems |
JP5497866B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2014-05-21 | 富士重工業株式会社 | Mounting structure for opening adjustment device |
JP5470431B1 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-16 | 富士重工業株式会社 | Mounting structure for opening adjustment device |
US9085232B2 (en) * | 2013-01-11 | 2015-07-21 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle grille close-out assembly |
US9533565B2 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2017-01-03 | Montaplast of North America, Inc. | Active grille shutter assembly |
JP5458200B1 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-04-02 | 富士重工業株式会社 | Variable duct device for vehicle |
GB2531544A (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2016-04-27 | Daimler Ag | Grille for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle as well as a vehicle |
DE102015000922B4 (en) * | 2015-01-27 | 2022-08-04 | Mercedes-Benz Group AG | Front module for a passenger car |
US9969342B2 (en) * | 2015-03-26 | 2018-05-15 | Ford Global Technologies Llc | Body-on-frame bumper step pad with seal between bumper beam and radiator grill |
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US9840144B2 (en) * | 2015-08-19 | 2017-12-12 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Front air-rectifying structure of automotive vehicle |
US10100707B2 (en) | 2016-02-29 | 2018-10-16 | Montaplast of North America, Inc. | Active grille shutter and shutter subassembly for use with active grill shutters |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8919470B2 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2014-12-30 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Grille shutter device |
US20130075172A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-03-28 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Grille shutter device |
US20130081888A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Reconfigurable baseline opening for under-hood airflow |
US20130092462A1 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2013-04-18 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Variable actuation rate shutter louvers |
US8915320B2 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2014-12-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Variable actuation rate shutter louvers |
US9475433B1 (en) * | 2014-07-08 | 2016-10-25 | Joseph Mallory, III | Automated, interchangeable vehicle grill |
US20160016617A1 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2016-01-21 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Front of a motor vehicle |
US9694858B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2017-07-04 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Front of a motor vehicle |
US10160310B2 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-12-25 | Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG | Air flap device having a plurality of air flaps with air flap movement ending sequentially |
US20180264930A1 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2018-09-20 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Air intake grille assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof |
US10363810B2 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2019-07-30 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Air intake grille assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof |
US10166859B1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-01 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Active underbody arrangement for a vehicle |
US11512623B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2022-11-29 | Kohler Co. | Apparatus for controlling cooling airflow to an intenral combustion engine, and engines and methods utilizing the same |
US11692473B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2023-07-04 | Kohler Co. | Apparatus for controlling cooling airflow to an internal combustion engine, and engines and methods utilizing the same |
US10322664B2 (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-06-18 | Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG | Air flap apparatus having integrated light guides for a motor vehicle |
US10857872B2 (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2020-12-08 | Volvo Car Corporation | Vehicle front structure |
US10647194B1 (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2020-05-12 | Denso International America, Inc. | Multi-function grill shutter and airflow guide |
Also Published As
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US20120312611A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
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